January 1, 2014

The Octave Day of the Nativity of the Lord
Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God
Lectionary: 18
Reading 1 NM 6:22-27

The LORD said to Moses:
“Speak to Aaron and his sons and tell them:
This is how you shall bless the Israelites.
Say to them:
The LORD bless you and keep you!
The LORD let his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you!
The LORD look upon you kindly and give you peace!
So shall they invoke my name upon the Israelites,
and I will bless them.”

In the Old Testament, the Levites were the official priests. In the New Testament, we are all priests. Although we have a ministerial priesthood, everyone was baptized his priests, prophet and king. Therefore, we are all empowered to pass on God's blessing.

Responsorial Psalm PS 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8

R/ (2a) May God bless us in his mercy.
May God have pity on us and bless us;
may he let his face shine upon us.
So may your way be known upon earth;
among all nations, your salvation.

R/ May God bless us in his mercy.
May the nations be glad and exult
because you rule the peoples in equity;
the nations on the earth you guide.

R/ May God bless us in his mercy.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you!
May God bless us,
and may all the ends of the earth fear him!
R/ May God bless us in his mercy.

Let us pray for our country that we may all turn to God and do good towards men. In this way God will continue to shine his light upon us and continue to shed his blessings.

Reading 2 GAL 4:4-7

Brothers and sisters:
When the fullness of time had come,

The fullness of time – I think that's a reference to the length of time which God had set aside until the coming of Jesus Christ.

God sent his Son,

God sent his son – of course, this refers to Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the son of God in the sense that he proceeds from the Father in eternity. He is also the son of God in the sense that he was engendered by the Holy Spirit, the third person of the holy Trinity, in Mary's womb.

born of a woman,

The woman is of course, Mary. This is why Mary is referred to as the ark of the new covenant. Because she bore within her womb, Jesus Christ, the Word of God, the bread of life, our high priest.

born under the law,

Jesus Christ was born under the law of Moses.

to ransom those under the law,

When Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, died upon the cross, he paid for the sins committed in the Old Testament. See Hebrews 9:15.

so that we might receive adoption as sons.

St. Paul leaves a great deal out between these two thoughts. Jesus Christ was born in order to die and ransom those faithful people who died in their sins in the Old Testament. That's the first thought.

So that we might receive adoption as sons, that's the second thought. Jesus Christ accomplished the first, the redemption of those who died in the Old Testament, by descending to the dead and bringing them into heaven  (1 Peter 3:18-20; Hebrews 11:39-40). He accomplished the second thought, our adoption as sons, by establishing the sacraments. It is in the sacrament of baptism that we receive the adoption of the Father (John 3:3; Col 2:12).

As proof that you are sons,
God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts,
crying out, “Abba, Father!”
So you are no longer a slave but a son,
and if a son then also an heir, through God.

Because we are sons of God, members of the body of Christ, we need not be shy about calling out to the Father, indeed Our Father. By our adoption, we now walk upon Mount Zion mingling with the spirits of men made perfect by the love of God (Hebrews 12:21-24). 

Gospel LK 2:16-21

The shepherds went in haste to Bethlehem and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.

  The Angels had appeared to shepherds and sent them in search of the child in the manger.

When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.

When they arrived, the shepherds told everyone about the message they had received from heaven.

All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.

All were amazed at the shepherds words. But the humble maiden, Mary, did not brag or boast, but kept all those things in her heart.

Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.

Then the shepherds went home glorifying God because everything the Angels had revealed was true.

When eight days were completed for his circumcision,
he was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel
before he was conceived in the womb.

Jesus was circumcised on the eighth day in order to obey the commands of Moses. And he was given the name Jesus in obedience to the command of the angel.

December 31, 2013

The Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas
Lectionary: 204
Reading 1 1 JN 2:18-21

Children, it is the last hour;
and just as you heard that the antichrist was coming,
so now many antichrists have appeared.
Thus we know this is the last hour.
They went out from us, but they were not really of our number;
if they had been, they would have remained with us.
Their desertion shows that none of them was of our number.
But you have the anointing that comes from the Holy One,
and you all have knowledge.
I write to you not because you do not know the truth
but because you do, and because every lie is alien to the truth.

St. John warned the Christian community about false prophets, antichrists, who were passing themselves off as members of the church.

Responsorial Psalm PS 96:1-2, 11-12, 13

R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name;
announce his salvation, day after day.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult before the LORD.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
The LORD comes,
he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

 Rejoice all of you who love goodness and righteousness. Jesus Christ is born. He comes to rule the world with justice. Rejoice!

Gospel JN 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

 Jesus Christ is God made flesh. He existed before the world. The entire world came to be through him, for him and by him. He is the One and only live, move and are.

A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

St. John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah to  fill the valleys and make the mountains low. He came to prepare the way for the appearance of Almighty God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.

 Jesus Christ came into the world and the world rejected him. He came to his own and his own rejected him.

But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.

 But some did accept him. And to those who did accept him, and obeyed his word, he became the promise of salvation.

And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only-begotten Son,
full of grace and truth.

 And those of us who believe in him  Have seen the glory of God shine through him.

John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only-begotten Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him.

Moses gave us the law and the 10 Commandments. Jesus Christ gave us sanctifying grace through the sacraments of the Catholic Church.

December 30, 2013

The Sixth Day in the Octave of Christmas
Lectionary: 203
Reading 1 1 JN 2:12-17

I am writing to you, children,
because your sins have been forgiven for his name’s sake.

I am writing to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.

I am writing to you, young men,
because you have conquered the Evil One.

I write to you, children,
because you know the Father.

I write to you, fathers,
because you know him who is from the beginning.

I write to you, young men,
because you are strong and the word of God remains in you,
and you have conquered the Evil One.

Do not love the world or the things of the world.
If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
For all that is in the world,
sensual lust, enticement for the eyes, and a pretentious life,
is not from the Father but is from the world.
Yet the world and its enticement are passing away.
But whoever does the will of God remains forever.

St. John the evangelist counsels all men to do the will of God. Those who love the world will not do the will of God. But those who follow after the spirit will cast the world aside with all its sins and live forever.

Responsorial Psalm PS 96:7-8A, 8B-9, 10

R. (11a) Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Give to the LORD, you families of nations,
give to the LORD glory and praise;
give to the LORD the glory due his name!

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Bring gifts, and enter his courts;
worship the LORD in holy attire.
Tremble before him, all the earth.

R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!
Say among the nations: The LORD is king.
He has made the world firm, not to be moved;
he governs the peoples with equity.
R. Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice!

Intentionally or unintentionally, all men will bow the knee and give God glory. Those who do so intentionally will themselves be glorified by God in the heavens. Those who do so unintentionally, will give glory after they have been punished then cast into hell.

Gospel LK 2:36-40

There was a prophetess, Anna,
the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.
She was advanced in years,
having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage,
and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.
She never left the temple,
but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.
And coming forward at that very time,
she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child
to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem.

St. Anna, the prophetess, recognized Jesus Christ when his parents brought him to the temple. When she saw him, she told everyone that he was the redemption of Israel.

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions
of the law of the Lord,
they returned to Galilee,
to their own town of Nazareth.
The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom;
and the favor of God was upon him.

When St. Joseph and Mary have accomplished all the requirements of the law concerning a newborn male child, they returned to their home in Nazareth. And Jesus Christ grew in grace and wisdom before God His Father.

Catechism in a Year - Days 8, 9 and 10

Day 8 - Does Revelation continue after Christ?

With Jesus Christ, has everything been said, or does revelation continue even after him?

In Jesus Christ, God himself came to earth. He is God's last Word. By listening to him, all men of all times can know who God is and what is necessary for their salvation.

With the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the revelation of God is perfect and complete. To make it comprehensible to us, the Holy Spirit leads us ever deeper into the truth. God's light breaks so forcefully into the lives of many individuals that they "see the heavens opened" (Acts 7:56). That is how the great places of pilgrimage such as Guadalupe in Mexico or Lourdes in France came about. The "private revelations" of visionaries cannot improve on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No one is obliged to believe in them. But they can help us understand the Gospel better. Their authenticity is tested by the Church. (YOUCAT question 10)

Dig Deeper: CCC section (66-67) and other references here.

An approved Marian apparition you simply must know about: Check out

Our Lady of Good Success by Matthew Arnold.

Day 9 - Why do we hand on the Faith?

Why do we hand on the faith?

We hand on the faith because Jesus commands us: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28:19).

No genuine Christian leaves the transmission of the faith exclusively to specialists (teachers, pastors, missionaries). We are Christ for others. This means that every genuine Christian would like God to come to other people, too. He says to himself, "The Lord needs me! I have been baptized and confirmed and am responsible for helping the people around me to learn about God and to come to the knowledge of the truth' (1 Tim 2:4b)." Mother Teresa used a good comparison: "Often you can see power lines running alongside the street. Unless current is flowing through them, there is no light. The power line is you and I! The current is God! We have the power to allow the current to flow through us and thus to generate the light of the world: JESUS - or to refuse to be used and, thus, allow the darkness to spread." (YOUCAT question 11)

Dig Deeper: CCC section (68-73) and other references here.

Dig Deeper: CCC section (68-73) and other references here.

Need a solid pep talk about sharing your faith?

Listen as Fr. Mike Schmitz - beloved teacher and spiritual guide to Catholic young adults - shares the compelling the mission of every baptized and confirmed Christian in We Must Go Out.

[Listen to the first 5 minutes for free!]

 

Day 10 - What belongs to the True Faith?

How can we tell what belongs to the true faith?

We find the true faith in Sacred Scripture and in the living Tradition of the Church.

The New Testament developed out of the faith of the Church. Scripture and Tradition belong together. Handing on the faith does not occur primarily through documents. In the early Church it was said that Sacred Scripture was "written on the heart of the Church rather than on parchment". The disciples and the apostles experienced their new life above all through a living fellowship with Jesus. The early Church invited people into this fellowship, which continued in a different way after the Resurrection. The first Christians held fast "to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of the bread and to the prayers" (Acts 2:42). They were united with one another and yet had room for others. This is part of our faith to this day: Christians invite other individuals to come to know a fellowship with God that has been preserved unaltered since the times of the apostles in the Catholic Church. (YOUCAT question 12)

Dig Deeper: CCC section (74-87) and other references here.

Interested in learning more about Catholicism and Sacred Scripture?Check out  Building a Catholic Biblical Worldview by Dr. Scott Hahn

Perry Como - Home for the Holidays!

December 29, 2013

Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Lectionary: 17
Reading 1 SIR 3:2-6, 12-14

God sets a father in honor over his children;
a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.
Whoever honors his father atones for sins,
and preserves himself from them.

The importance of obedience towards parents, of honoring one's parents, cannot be overestimated.

When he prays, he is heard;
he stores up riches who reveres his mother.
Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,
and, when he prays, is heard.
Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;
he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.

Whoever honors his parents, honors God, and his prayers are heard.

My son, take care of your father when he is old;
grieve him not as long as he lives.
Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;
revile him not all the days of his life;
kindness to a father will not be forgotten,
firmly planted against the debt of your sins
—a house raised in justice to you.

Loving one's parents erases many things.

Responsorial Psalm PS 128:1-2, 3, 4-5

R. (cf. 1) Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,
who walks in his ways!
For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;
blessed shall you be, and favored.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your home;
your children like olive plants
around your table.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.
Behold, thus is the man blessed
who fears the LORD.
The LORD bless you from Zion:
may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem
all the days of your life.
R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Blessed is the man who obeys the Commandments of God. Blessed is the man who honors his heavenly father. He will be richly rewarded at the judgment.

Reading 2 COL 3:12-21

Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.

Jesus Christ told the apostles that those who follow him will be known by their love. The apostle Paul described love as, "gentle, kind, and patient" (1 Corinthians 13:4). Therefore, we see the God's chosen ones are known by their love.

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.

If we live in love, and the peace of Christ will dwell in our hearts.

Wives, be subordinate to your husbands,
as is proper in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives,
and avoid any bitterness toward them.
Children, obey your parents in everything,
for this is pleasing to the Lord.
Fathers, do not provoke your children,
so they may not become discouraged.

In all family relationships, we must respect and love each other.

I personally believe that God has established a certain order. In a household, the wife is subordinate to the husband and the children are subordinate to the husband and wife. If this order is maintained, it mirrors the order which God has established in heaven. 

The alternate second reading is a subset of the first and requires no further comment.

Or COL 3:12-17

Brothers and sisters:
Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,
heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,
bearing with one another and forgiving one another,
if one has a grievance against another;
as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.
And over all these put on love,
that is, the bond of perfection.
And let the peace of Christ control your hearts,
the peace into which you were also called in one body.
And be thankful.
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly,
as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another,
singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs
with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do, in word or in deed,
do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Gospel MT 2:13-15, 19-23

When the magi had departed, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,
and stay there until I tell you.
Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night
and departed for Egypt.
He stayed there until the death of Herod,
that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,
Out of Egypt I called my son.

The angel Gabriel appeared to St. Joseph and warned him to take the child and his mother out of Israel into Jerusalem. Because Satan had sent his servant, Herod, to kill the child.

When Herod had died, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared in a dream
to Joseph in Egypt and said,
“Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel,
for those who sought the child’s life are dead.”
He rose, took the child and his mother,
and went to the land of Israel.
But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea
in place of his father Herod,
he was afraid to go back there.
And because he had been warned in a dream,
he departed for the region of Galilee.
He went and dwelt in a town called Nazareth,
so that what had been spoken through the prophets
might be fulfilled,
He shall be called a Nazorean.

Later when Herod dies, the Angel Gabriel again appears to St. Joseph in a dream and instructs him to take the child and his mother back to Israel. St. Joseph decided to take them to Nazareth.

Sunday Bible Reflections with Dr. Scott Hahn December 29th 2013 - Feast of the Holy Family

December 29th 2013 - Feast of the Holy Family


Listen Here!

Saving Family

Readings:
Sirach 3:2-6,12-14
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
Colossians 3:12-21
Matthew 2:13-15, 19-23


Underlying the wisdom offered in today’s Liturgy is the mystery of the family in God’s divine plan.

The Lord has set father in honor over his children and mother in authority over her sons, we hear in today’s First Reading. As we sing in today’s Psalm, the blessings of the family flow from Zion, the heavenly mother of the royal people of God (see Isaiah 66:7,10-13; Galatians 4:26).

And in the drama of today’s Gospel, we see the nucleus of the new people of God - the Holy Family - facing persecution from those who would seek to destroy the child and His Kingdom.

Moses, called to save God’s first born son, the people of Israel (see Exodus 4:22; Sirach 36:11), was also threatened at birth by a mad and jealous tyrant (see Exodus 1:15-16). And as Moses was saved by his mother and sister (see Exodus 2:1-10; 4:19), in God’s plan Jesus too is rescued by His family.

As once God took the family of Jacob down to Egypt to make them the great nation Israel (see Genesis 46:2-4), God leads the Holy Family to Egypt to prepare the coming of the new Israel of God - the Church (see Galatians 6:16).

At the beginning of the world, God established the family in the “marriage” of Adam and Eve, the two becoming one body (see Genesis 2:22-24). Now in the new creation, Christ is made “one body” with His bride, the Church, as today’s Epistle indicates (see Ephesians 5:21-32).

By this union we are made God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved. And our families are to radiate the perfect love that binds us to Christ in the Church.
As we approach the altar on this feast, let us renew our commitment to our God-given duties as spouses, children and parents. Mindful of the promises of today’s First Reading, let us offer our quiet performance of these duties for the atonement of our sins.




Yours in Christ,



Scott Hahn, Ph.D.

P.S. Do you want your friends, family, and co-workers to know the treasures of the Catholic faith through the treasure of God’s Word? Then join me in praying for the work of the St. Paul Center and please make your most generous financial contribution today. You can donate now by credit card by visiting our secure, convenient website at www.salvationhistory.com

If you appreciate this service forward it to a friend!

Catholic Doctrine all makes sense – sacraments

It all makes sense.  Catholic doctrine all makes sense.

Consider the sacraments. Frequently, I used to wonder what is the advantage of a Catholic. After all, the Catholic Church teaches that God wills all men to be saved• and come the knowledge of truth (CCC #851).

If then, all of them can be saved, what is the advantage of being a Catholic? In one word, the sacraments. It is the sacraments which make the vital difference between the Catholic Church (and the ancient sacramental Christian churches) and every other religion including the Jews and Protestants.

God's salvation plan began with the Jews. So let me begin my explanation there as well. In the Jewish religion, there were animal sacrifices. These animal sacrifices were annulled and replaced in the New Testament by the one sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ upon the cross.

This one sacrifice is directly tied to the holy Eucharist. This is well known and understood throughout Christendom. What is less well known, is that the piercing of the lance in the side of Christ is directly tied to the rest of the sacraments. In the piercing of the lance the blood and water which poured out signifies the grace which Jesus Christ pours out to us through the sacraments. Therefore all the sacraments tieback to the cross.

And the sacraments, the fruit of the cross, the fruit of the one sacrifice of Christ, replace the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament.

So the one sacrifice of Christ replaced the animal sacrifices of the Old Testament. And the one sacrifice of Christ truly washes away sin by the vehicle of the sacraments. That is why our sins are washed away in baptism, confession, anointing, and less well known but in all the sacraments are venial sins are washed away.

Further, the sacraments are the doorway into heaven. Once we are baptized we are saved. Not ultimately, but when we are baptized we walk amongst the spirits of men made perfect on Mount Zion. And so, we do not have to wait for the judgment. And that is unlike anybody else. Although we will also stand before Jesus Christ at the judgment seat, those who have he lived according to his word will have already been judged when they receive the sacraments.

And so this is a great advantage over every other religion. Whether it be the Jews, the Protestants, or any non-Christian religions. Judgment begins with the house of God in the sacraments.

Yes sir, Catholic doctrine all makes sense.

December 28, 2013

Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs
Lectionary: 698
Reading 1 1 JN 1:5—2:2

Beloved:
This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ
and proclaim to you:
God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.
If we say, “We have fellowship with him,”
while we continue to walk in darkness,
we lie and do not act in truth.

God's goodness and light. Those who claim to be converted to God must discard sin and  and walk in like and righteousness.

But if we walk in the light as he is in the light,
then we have fellowship with one another,

And if we walk in righteousness that we are all brothers because we are united to him in his body.

and the Blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.

The blood of Christ cleanses us from sin through sacraments.

If we say, “We are without sin,”
we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just
and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.
If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar,
and his word is not in us.

When we turn to Christ we must repent of all sins he will forgive us.

My children, I am writing this to you
so that you may not commit sin.
But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,
Jesus Christ the righteous one.
He is expiation for our sins,
and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world.

We turn to Christ we turn away from sin. But if we do sin he is ready  to forgive us in the sacrament of penance.

Responsorial Psalm PS 124:2-3, 4-5, 7CD-8

R. (7) Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.
Had not the LORD been with us—
When men rose up against us,
then would they have swallowed us alive,
When their fury was inflamed against us.

R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.
Then would the waters have overwhelmed us;
The torrent would have swept over us;
over us then would have swept the raging waters.

R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.
Broken was the snare,
and we were freed.
Our help is in the name of the LORD,
who made heaven and earth.
R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

Jesus Christ has rescued us from Satan's snare. Satan tempts us to sin so that we may be trapped in death and dragged into the pit of hell. But Christ died for all that those who live my turn to him and live again.

Gospel MT 2:13-18

When the magi had departed, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,
“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,
and stay there until I tell you.
Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”
Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night
and departed for Egypt.
He stayed there until the death of Herod,
that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,
Out of Egypt I called my son.

The scene is mystically revealed again in revelations 12, where the Dragon attempts to kill the child as he is being born. But the child was caught up into the throne of God and the woman fled to the desert.

Revelation 12

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

The Woman and the Dragon

1 [a]And a great portent appeared in heaven, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars; 2 she was with child and she cried out in her pangs of birth, in anguish for delivery. 3 And another portent appeared in heaven; behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems upon his heads. 4 His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven, and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, that he might devour her child when she brought it forth; 5 she brought forth a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne, 6 and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, in which to be nourished for one thousand two hundred and sixty days.

Herod, is the Dragon. Because he is serving Satan's purpose.

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi,
he became furious.
He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity
two years old and under,
in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.
Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:

A voice was heard in Ramah,
sobbing and loud lamentation;
Rachel weeping for her children,
and she would not be consoled,
since they were no more.

This is indeed a sad scene. The holy innocents were the first martyrs who died for Jesus Christ.

Catholics come home - Movie of your life

December 27, 2013

Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist
Lectionary: 697
Reading 1 1 JN 1:1-4

Beloved:
What was from the beginning,
what we have heard,
what we have seen with our eyes,
what we looked upon
and touched with our hands
concerns the Word of life —
for the life was made visible;
we have seen it and testify to it
and proclaim to you the eternal life
that was with the Father and was made visible to us—
what we have seen and heard
we proclaim now to you,
so that you too may have fellowship with us;
for our fellowship is with the Father
and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
We are writing this so that our joy may be complete.

Today is his feast day.  In his honor, the readings are from his letter and Gospel.

From the beginning -  means from the beginning of time.

What we have heard, seen  - refers to the Apostles who heard and saw all which Christ taught and did in so far as His miracles, healings and signs.

What we have touched - I believe that refers to the Christ's Body, the Eucharist.

What we proclaim to you - is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  

Responsorial Psalm PS 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12

R. (12) Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
Clouds and darkness are around him,
justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,
before the LORD of all the earth.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!
Light dawns for the just;
and gladness, for the upright of heart.
Be glad in the LORD, you just,
and give thanks to his holy name.
R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

Rejoice in the Lord!  Rejoice that God has shed His mercy upon you in the holy Sacraments.

Gospel JN 20:1A AND 2-8

On the first day of the week,
Mary Magdalene ran and went to Simon Peter
and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them,
“They have taken the Lord from the tomb,
and we do not know where they put him.”
So Peter and the other disciple went out and came to the tomb.
They both ran, but the other disciple ran faster than Peter
and arrived at the tomb first;
he bent down and saw the burial cloths there, but did not go in.
When Simon Peter arrived after him,
he went into the tomb and saw the burial cloths there,
and the cloth that had covered his head,
not with the burial cloths but rolled up in a separate place.
Then the other disciple also went in,
the one who had arrived at the tomb first,
and he saw and believed.

The "other" disciple in this reading, is St. John the Evangelist.  He and St. Peter ran to the tomb to see what it was that St. Mary Magdalene was talking about.

Response to Russell's series on Sola Scriptura

Merry Christmas! Some of the more popular articles on my blog have been my debates with Russell. In an effort to bolster my popularity, I will respond to his series on Sola Scriptura.

 Hi Russell,

Longtime no see. I'm going to respond to your article and simultaneously post my comments on my blog. I hope you have time to respond.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013
QUICK NOTES ON SOLA SCRIPTURA (Part 1)
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 – NASV)

This is a beautiful verse which is totally misunderstood by Protestants. The verse tells us that all of Scripture was written by man through God's prompting. God didn't write Scripture. Nor is writing Scripture the only thing which God prompted man to do. The explanation to this verse is found in 2 Peter 1: 19-21.

2 Peter 1:19-21

Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)

19 And we have the prophetic word made more sure. You will do well to pay attention to this as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 First of all you must understand this, that no prophecy of scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, 21 because no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

As you can see, holy men of God were moved by the Holy Spirit to preach the word of God. They preached first and then they wrote. Therefore, Scripture alone was not inspired of God. That is to say, Scripture and tradition were inspired of God. Both. Together. Not one by itself without the other.  

I won't take too much more time on this verse because you use it frequently and I'll have plenty more opportunities to explain how you are misusing it.

This is the main passage that Protestants use to demonstrate the concept of “Sola Scriptura” (“Bible Alone”). Just as a reminder, Sola Scriptura simply means that Scripture is the only infallible Rule of Faith (or spiritual standard) for the church today. And it is therefore the final authority in spiritual matters.

That's what I like about you Russell, you are the bravest Protestant run across. Now you say that Sola Scriptura means that Scripture is the only infallible Rule of Faith for the church today. So, I would like you to point that out in Scripture.

The reason for this request should be plain. If this rule is not in Scripture then sola Scriptura contradicts itself. Sola Scriptura is a rule which cannot be found in Scripture. Yet it requires that all rules be found in Scripture.

We want to point out that there is a relentless attack on this Protestant interpretation of the passage above from many today (especially Catholics) who try to avoid its clear and simple message, and they use several common arguments. So, the purpose of this series of articles is to deal with these arguments by demonstrating their weaknesses.

Now, from the outset, we want to say that no single verse in the Bible contains ABSOLUTE PROOF of Sola Scriptura. The concept of Sola Scriptura is something that is derived from many verses. However, the passage above strongly implies this teaching.

Having said that, each of these articles will deal with only one specific argument at a time, mainly those surrounding 2 Timothy 3. So, let’s begin. Today’s specific argument is:

ARGUMENT #1 – “THE PASSAGE SAYS THAT ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED, BUT NOT *ONLY* SCRIPTURE. SO, SOMETHING ELSE, LIKE “SACRED TRADITION,” COULD ALSO BE INFALLIBLE.

While it is true that the word “only” is not there, the context reveals that it is indeed Scripture that is able to equip each believer for every good work.

That's not true. Let's look at the verse carefully. Is he talking mainly about Scripture? Or is he talking about teaching?

Let's look at the whole letter of 2 Timothy. From the first chapter, St. Paul is exhorting St. Timothy to teach.

2 Timothy 1:8 Do not be ashamed then of testifying to our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but take your share of suffering for the gospel in the power of God,

2 Timothy 2:1 You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, 2 and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

2 Timothy 4:1 I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: 2 preach the word, be urgent in season and out of season, convince, rebuke, and exhort, be unfailing in patience and in teaching. 

He only briefly mentioned Scripture in chapter 3 and even then within the overall context of TEACHING.

2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

The context is about an inspired (“God-breathed”) and infallible Rule of Faith to which the believer can turn in times of difficulty (3:1), persecution (3:12), and deception (3:13). If this Rule of Faith is able to equip someone FOR EVERY GOOD WORK, then it must be, by definition, sufficient as a Rule of Faith, and therefore, it is the only infallible source needed. This is just plain logic and common sense.

It is the teaching of the Word of God in Scripture and tradition which equips the man of God for every good work.

Consider this analogy: If a particular math book (as a tool for learning math) is profitable for simple math, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus, and it will equip you to handle every math problem, then, logically, it is the ONLY one you need, as math books go. No one should have a problem with this logic.

No one except those who have actually studied math. I went to 12 years of elementary school in four years of college. Every math class had a teacher explaining the contents of the books from which we studied.

But in the same way, Paul tells us that the Bible (as a Rule of Faith) is profitable for doctrine, etc

"Profitable" does not mean necessary.

and will equip you for every good work.

He is speaking within the context of teaching. Not passing out Bibles. He said the Bible is a good book to use to support your teaching, reproof, correction, and for training in righteousness. This strongly insinuates that there is someone standing there interpreting the Scripture for you and telling you what it means.

St. Paul is explicitly telling St. Timothy that this is his role.

So why wouldn’t the same logic apply? How can it NOT be sufficient if it equips you for ALL good works? And if we need another infallible source for the post-apostolic church, why does Paul not mention it here, in the context of a Rule of Faith? Notice that Paul never says, “Scripture equips you for every good work, EXCEPT for those works found in Tradition.” No, he doesn’t say anything like that. The Bible’s principles are sufficient for what the church needs to know and how the church needs to behave. He mentions no other infallible source here, but only points to Scripture.

He doesn't need to point to any other infallible source here. He has already mentioned it many times in other scriptures. Take for instance, Ephesians 3:10. Here he teaches us that the church teaches the wisdom of God. Obviously, the church is infallible. It must be in order to teach the wisdom of God.

In another verse, 1 Timothy 3:15, he says the church is the pillar of truth. In order to be the pillar of truth, the church must always uphold the truth. Obviously then, the church must be infallible.

The entire letter of 2 Timothy is written in the context of this Christian doctrine. Therefore, he doesn't need to mention it again.

Now, there are indeed other legitimate authorities, or rules of faith, in the church. For example, church leaders, theologians, the writings of the early church fathers, Bible commentaries, traditions, creeds, councils, catechisms, etc. But these are all lesser authorities and are subject to and tested by the Bible, since it is “God-breathed.” Thus, the Bible is the FINAL authority. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 not only implies sufficiency in its immediate context, but this sufficiency lines up with the whole of Scripture. The Bible is God’s blueprint for our lives and our spiritual roadmap, our infallible “toolbox” which equips us for EVERY good work. There is no rule of faith greater than it, nor is there one equal to it.

So, the fact that a particular word (i.e., “only”) is not in the passage is irrelevant. Context shows us that the CONCEPT is there.

In this final paragraph, you mix a great deal of error with the truth. The word of God, is the highest authority. But Tradition AND Scripture both contain the word of God.

The church herself teaches that she is the servant of the word of God. She does this by making certain that the word of God is taught correctly both in Tradition and Scripture.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Merry Christmas!

December 26, 2013

Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr



Lectionary: 696
Reading 1 ACTS 6:8-10; 7:54-59

Stephen, filled with grace and power,
was working great wonders and signs among the people.
Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen,
Cyrenians, and Alexandrians,
and people from Cilicia and Asia,
came forward and debated with Stephen,
but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.

St. Stephen, a deacon of the early church, was filled with the wisdom of God. Jews from various synagogues in various parts of the country came to debate with him but could not withstand the force of his words.

When they heard this, they were infuriated,
and they ground their teeth at him.
But he, filled with the Holy Spirit,
looked up intently to heaven
and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,
and he said,
“Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man
standing at the right hand of God.”
But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears,
and rushed upon him together.
They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him.
The witnesses laid down their cloaks
at the feet of a young man named Saul.
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out
“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

The Jews were infuriated that he could counter all their arguments. But he was filled with the Holy Spirit and looked up into the sky and saw a vision of God, Jesus Christ, coming down in the clouds.

But the Jews attacked him and dragged him outside the city where they killed him with stones. A certain man, Saul of Tarsus, watched their coats while they threw rocks at him until he died.

Responsorial Psalm PS 31:3CD-4, 6 AND 8AB, 16BC AND 17

R. (6) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in your kindness.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

God is our protector. Withdraw from sin and turn to God when he will watch your step so that you will not stumble. Turn to God and he will save you.

Gospel MT 10:17-22

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts
and scourge you in their synagogues,
and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake
as a witness before them and the pagans.
When they hand you over,
do not worry about how you are to speak
or what you are to say.
You will be given at that moment what you are to say.
For it will not be you who speak
but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Brother will hand over brother to death,
and the father his child;
children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.
You will be hated by all because of my name,
but whoever endures to the end will be saved.”

Beware of natural men. They are the enemies of the spiritual man. They do not understand the spirit and in fact are against the spirit. Therefore, they will seek to destroy anyone who seeks the spirit. Remember the Scripture:

Romans 8:1-8 King James Version (KJV)

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.  3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:  4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.  5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.  6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.  7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.  8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

December 25, 2013 - Mass During The Day

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)



Lectionary: 16
Reading 1 IS 52:7-10

How beautiful upon the mountains
are the feet of him who brings glad tidings,
announcing peace, bearing good news,
announcing salvation, and saying to Zion,
“Your God is King!”

Hark! Your sentinels raise a cry,
together they shout for joy,
for they see directly, before their eyes,
the LORD restoring Zion.
Break out together in song,
O ruins of Jerusalem!
For the LORD comforts his people,
he redeems Jerusalem.
The LORD has bared his holy arm
in the sight of all the nations;
all the ends of the earth will behold
the salvation of our God.

Jesus Christ is the King of Kings. God has made himself visible to his people. He has come to save all who were lost.

Responsorial Psalm PS 98:1, 2-3, 3-4, 5-6

R. (3c) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
his right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.

R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

The Catholic Church has taught the saving power of Jesus Christ throughout the world. It is by the faith of the saints who preceded us that the gospel has been preached to alter world. We owe them a great debt.

Reading 2 HEB 1:1-6

Brothers and sisters:
In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways
to our ancestors through the prophets;
in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son,
whom he made heir of all things
and through whom he created the universe,
who is the refulgence of his glory,
the very imprint of his being,
and who sustains all things by his mighty word.

Christ is the image of God. He is God in the flesh.

When he had accomplished purification from sins,

When he had established the sacraments.  When he had established the sacraments.  When he had shed his blood upon the cross for the forgiveness of sins, he established the sacraments to which the grace which he released by his death upon the cross is applied to the faithful.

he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
as far superior to the angels
as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

And then he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven.

For to which of the angels did God ever say:
You are my son; this day I have begotten you?
Or again:
I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me?
And again, when he leads the firstborn into the world, he says:
Let all the angels of God worship him.

And he takes his place upon the throne at the right hand of the Father.   Let all creation worship him.

Gospel JN 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.

Jesus is the Word. And from eternity he is at the right hand of the Father. Because Jesus is God, the second person of the holy Trinity.

He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,

All things were created through Christ. He is he in whom we live, move, and have our existence.

and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.

Christ is life. He gave us our human life. And extends to us the hope of eternal life.

A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light,
so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light,
but came to testify to the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.

St. John the Baptist announced into the world the coming of the Savior. But the world rejected their Savior.

But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.

But some in the world, we ejected the world, and accepted Jesus Christ. These are they who were born again of the Spirit in the sacrament of baptism.

And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.
John testified to him and cried out, saying,
“This was he of whom I said,
‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me
because he existed before me.’”
From his fullness we have all received,
grace in place of grace,
because while the law was given through Moses,
grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
No one has ever seen God.
The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side,
has revealed him.

The law was given to Moses for our benefit. The sacraments were given to Jesus for our benefit. It is two sacraments there we receive the grace of eternal life.

 No need for further commentary on the alternate reading which follows. 

Or JN 1:1-5, 9-14

In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
He was in the beginning with God.
All things came to be through him,
and without him nothing came to be.
What came to be through him was life,
and this life was the light of the human race;
the light shines in the darkness,
and the darkness has not overcome it.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.
He was in the world,
and the world came to be through him,
but the world did not know him.
He came to what was his own,
but his own people did not accept him.

But to those who did accept him
he gave power to become children of God,
to those who believe in his name,
who were born not by natural generation
nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision
but of God.
And the Word became flesh
and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory,
the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.

December 25, 2013 - Mass At Dawn

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Lectionary: 15
Reading 1 IS 62:11-12

See, the LORD proclaims
to the ends of the earth:
say to daughter Zion,
your savior comes!

Daughter Zion is a reference to Jerusalem. And Isaiah is prophesying to Jerusalem the coming of the Savior.

Here is his reward with him,
his recompense before him.

There is a reference to the end times, when Jesus Christ will come in power to judge the living and the dead (Rev 22:12-15).

They shall be called the holy people,
the redeemed of the LORD,
and you shall be called “Frequented,”
a city that is not forsaken.

At that time, the elect of Christ will be gathered in the heavenly Jerusalem.

Responsorial Psalm PS 97:1, 6, 11-12

R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;
let the many isles be glad.
The heavens proclaim his justice,
and all peoples see his glory.

R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.
Light dawns for the just;
and gladness, for the upright of heart.
Be glad in the LORD, you just,
and give thanks to his holy name.
R. A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

Alleluia! The King of Kings is born! Let all creation rejoice!

Reading 2 TI 3:4-7

Beloved:
When the kindness and generous love
of God our savior appeared,
not because of any righteous deeds we had done
but because of his mercy,

This, is what St. Paul is talking about when he says that it came about without all works. It being our justification through Christ. God, our Savior, took flesh and became man to save us from our sins. There is no work that any man could do to bring this about.

He saved us through the bath of rebirth
and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
whom he richly poured out on us
through Jesus Christ our savior,
so that we might be justified by his grace
and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

And this, is what St. Paul is talking about when he says that we are justified by grace. He is talking about the sacraments. Especially, in this verse where he mentions the "bath of rebirth", which is a euphemism for "baptism". When we present ourselves for baptism, we ask God for his grace out upon us. And we do so in a proper disposition of faith alone. There is nothing that we can do to wash our souls. God alone cleanses us of sin in the sacrament of baptism. It is his work

Gospel LK 2:15-20

When the angels went away from them to heaven,
the shepherds said to one another,
“Let us go, then, to Bethlehem
to see this thing that has taken place,
which the Lord has made known to us.”
So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph,
and the infant lying in the manger.
When they saw this,
they made known the message
that had been told them about this child.
All who heard it were amazed
by what had been told them by the shepherds.
And Mary kept all these things,
reflecting on them in her heart.
Then the shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God
for all they had heard and seen,
just as it had been told to them.

God our Savior took upon himself our flesh. This is what the shepherds saw. This is what the shepherds announced to the world.

December 25, 2013 - Mass At Midnight

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Lectionary: 14
Reading 1 IS 9:1-6

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;

This is a very deep verse which has many spiritual meanings. The people walked in darkness could be the misbehaving Jews which God had punished the time of Isaiah. It could also be sinners who have repented. Or it could be the Gentiles who had seen the son of God in the time of Jesus.

upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom
a light has shone.

Similarly, the land of gloom could be the land of the Gentiles where the Jews were punished and exiled.

You have brought them abundant joy
and great rejoicing,
as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,
as people make merry when dividing spoils.

The harvest could be a reference to the harvest at the end of time. When God will harvest the souls of the righteous. And destroy the souls of the wicked. Or, it could be a reference to the joy which people have when they harvest their crops.

For the yoke that burdened them,
the pole on their shoulder,
and the rod of their taskmaster
you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.

The yoke which burdened them could be a reference to Satan's oppression. Or it could be a reference to the Babylonians enslavement of the Jews where they were exiled by God.

For every boot that tramped in battle,
every cloak rolled in blood,
will be burned as fuel for flames.
For a child is born to us, a son is given us;
upon his shoulder dominion rests.
They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,
Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.
His dominion is vast
and forever peaceful,
from David’s throne, and over his kingdom,
which he confirms and sustains
by judgment and justice,
both now and forever.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

This of course, is a very famous prophecy of the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Responsorial Psalm PS 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13

R. (Lk 2:11) Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Sing to the LORD a new song;
sing to the LORD, all you lands.
Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Announce his salvation, day after day.
Tell his glory among the nations;
among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;
let the sea and what fills it resound;
let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!
Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.
They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes;
for he comes to rule the earth.
He shall rule the world with justice
and the peoples with his constancy.
R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Joy to the world the Lord is come. Let Earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare him room. Joy to the world!

Reading 2 TI 2:11-14

Beloved:
The grace of God has appeared, saving all
and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires
and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,
as we await the blessed hope,
the appearance of the glory of our great God
and savior Jesus Christ,
who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness
and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,
eager to do what is good.

This is probably the best summary of the Gospel. Jesus Christ did not die on the cross in order that we would continue to live in our same sinful ways. Jesus Christ died for all in order that those who live would turn to him who died for us.

Gospel LK 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus
that the whole world should be enrolled.
This was the first enrollment,
when Quirinius was governor of Syria.
So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.
And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth
to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,
because he was of the house and family of David,
to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.
While they were there,
the time came for her to have her child,
and she gave birth to her firstborn son.
She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,
because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields
and keeping the night watch over their flock.
The angel of the Lord appeared to them
and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were struck with great fear.
The angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid;
for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy
that will be for all the people.
For today in the city of David
a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.
And this will be a sign for you:
you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes
and lying in a manger.”
And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,
praising God and saying:
“Glory to God in the highest
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

December 25, 2013 - Vigil Mass

The Vigil Mass is held on the night before Christmas.  It is the evening Mass celebrated on December 24th between 4pm  and midnight.

Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)
Lectionary: 13
Reading 1 IS 62:1-5

For Zion’s sake I will not be silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I will not be quiet,
until her vindication shines forth like the dawn
and her victory like a burning torch.

Zion and Jerusalem are the same thing.  Zion stands for Mount Zion which is right outside of Jerusalem. Therefore, Isaiah is saying that he will speak out until Jerusalem is saved.

Nations shall behold your vindication,
and all the kings your glory;
you shall be called by a new name
pronounced by the mouth of the LORD.

The new name for Jerusalem is the Catholic Church. The Catholic Church is the new Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, the body of Christ. The whole world has seen the Catholic Church because she is active in spreading the word of Christ throughout the world.

You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the LORD,
a royal diadem held by your God.
No more shall people call you “Forsaken,”
or your land “Desolate,”
but you shall be called “My Delight,”
and your land “Espoused.”
For the LORD delights in you
and makes your land his spouse.
As a young man marries a virgin,
your Builder shall marry you;
and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride
so shall your God rejoice in you.

I think it is more beautifully stated in 

Ephesians chapter 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;  26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,  27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.  28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.  29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:  30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.  31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.  32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.  33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

Responsorial Psalm PS 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29

R. (2a) For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
I have made a covenant with my chosen one,
I have sworn to David my servant:
Forever will I confirm your posterity
and establish your throne for all generations.

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
Blessed the people who know the joyful shout;
in the light of your countenance, O LORD, they walk.
At your name they rejoice all the day,
and through your justice they are exalted.

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.
He shall say of me, “You are my father,
my God, the rock, my savior.”
Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,
and my covenant with him stands firm.
R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

We are sons in the Son. We call God, "Abba, Father". Therefore let us always sing the goodness of the Lord sent his only begotten son to sacrifice himself so we may be united to him.It's

Reading 2 ACTS 13:16-17, 22-25

When Paul reached Antioch in Pisidia and entered the synagogue,
he stood up, motioned with his hand, and said,
“Fellow Israelites and you others who are God-fearing, listen.
The God of this people Israel chose our ancestors
and exalted the people during their sojourn in the
land of Egypt.
With uplifted arm he led them out of it.
Then he removed Saul and raised up David as king;
of him he testified,
‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart;
he will carry out my every wish.’
From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise,
has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.
John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance
to all the people of Israel;
and as John was completing his course, he would say,
‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he.
Behold, one is coming after me;
I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’”

St. Paul recalled the salvation history of the Jews. He recalled the salvation of the Jews from the captivity of Egypt. And we called the time of Saul being replaced by David. And recalled the promise which God made to David. And then he recalled the coming of Christ, the son of David.

Gospel MT 1:1-25

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ,
the son of David, the son of Abraham.

Abraham became the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers.
Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah,
whose mother was Tamar.
Perez became the father of Hezron,
Hezron the father of Ram,
Ram the father of Amminadab.
Amminadab became the father of Nahshon,
Nahshon the father of Salmon,
Salmon the father of Boaz,
whose mother was Rahab.
Boaz became the father of Obed,
whose mother was Ruth.
Obed became the father of Jesse,
Jesse the father of David the king.

David became the father of Solomon,
whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.
Solomon became the father of Rehoboam,
Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
Abijah the father of Asaph.
Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Joram,
Joram the father of Uzziah.
Uzziah became the father of Jotham,
Jotham the father of Ahaz,
Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.
Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh,
Manasseh the father of Amos,
Amos the father of Josiah.
Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers
at the time of the Babylonian exile.

After the Babylonian exile,
Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel,
Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel,
Zerubbabel the father of Abiud.
Abiud became the father of Eliakim,
Eliakim the father of Azor,
Azor the father of Zadok.
Zadok became the father of Achim,
Achim the father of Eliud,
Eliud the father of Eleazar.
Eleazar became the father of Matthan,
Matthan the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary.
Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.

Thus the total number of generations
from Abraham to David
is fourteen generations;
from David to the Babylonian exile,
fourteen generations;
from the Babylonian exile to the Christ,
fourteen generations.

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
He had no relations with her until she bore a son,
and he named him Jesus.

St. Joseph did not know how the Virgin Mary had become pregnant. So he had decided to divorce her quietly. But Angel of God came to him in a dream informed him that the child which would be born would be the son of God.

The alternate gospel is a subset of the first. No commentary necessary.

Or MT 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said through the prophet:
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,
which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
He had no relations with her until she bore a son,
and he named him Jesus.